By Editor Drealomalicha Emmanuella
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, has alleged that the recent wave of violence in Plateau State is politically motivated, claiming it forms part of a wider effort to weaken President Bola Tinubu’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His remarks follow a deadly Palm Sunday attack in Gariya Waye, Angwan Rukuba, in Jos North Local Government Area, where more than 20 people were reportedly killed. The нападение has reignited anxiety among residents, many of whom are still grappling with the trauma of recurring violence in the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, Zazzaga suggested that the killings were orchestrated by opposition elements intent on discrediting both the President and Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang. He argued that the violence was designed not only to destabilise communities but also to erode public confidence in the government’s ability to provide security.
According to him, the tensions may also be linked to political realignments within the state, particularly resistance to what he described as Governor Muftwang’s growing alignment with the APC—an outcome he said had bolstered the party’s foothold in the North-Central region.
Zazzaga further alleged that the attacks in Plateau, as well as in neighbouring Benue State, form part of a broader strategy to suppress voter strength in areas perceived to be supportive of President Tinubu.
“The intention is to instil fear, displace communities, and ultimately reduce voter turnout in favour of the APC,” he said.
He maintained that the North-Central remains a crucial political bloc, noting that the region had previously pledged significant electoral support to the President ahead of 2027. For many residents, however, the immediate concern is safety, as communities continue to mourn loved ones lost in the latest нападение.
Amid the growing tension, Zazzaga cautioned religious leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could further deepen divisions. He urged clerics and community figures to prioritise messages of peace and unity.
He also called on security agencies to remain vigilant, particularly in monitoring inciting comments, and to take firm action against those responsible for violence.
While acknowledging the need for stronger security measures, Zazzaga commended President Tinubu for visiting Jos in the aftermath of the killings, describing the visit as a demonstration of empathy at a time when many affected families are seeking both comfort and justice.
For residents of Plateau State, the tragedy underscores not just political tensions, but the human toll of insecurity—families shattered, communities displaced, and a lingering fear that the cycle of violence may yet continue.
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